VS threads are against forum rules, but in this case I felt compelled to make it because hopefully the nature of the comparison will help avoid the typical pitfalls.
The scenario is as follows: within the next 5 years the Russian AVMF is set to receive a number of MiG-29K newly built. Their delivery completion is rumored to coincide with the end of the Kuznetsov refit planned for 2017. The idea seems to be that they will be the new airwing for the Kuznetsov. However at the same time the surviving 19 Su-33 are undergoing refit and modernization right now, with the first ones completed only a few days ago at KnAAPO.
ÀÐÌÑ-ÒÀÑÑ
Íà÷àëèñü èñïûòàíèÿ ìîäåðíèçèðîâàííûõ Ñó-33 — ÎÐÓÆÈÅ ÐÎÑÑÈÈ, Êàòàëîã âîîðóæåíèÿ, âîåííîé è ñïåöèàëüíîé òåõíèêè
Presumably the upgrade package is similar to the SM upgrade for the Su-27S.
This indicates a desire to leave the type in service for a considerable period of time.
So: opinions. Barring a 5th gen. carrier based fighter, what should the AVMF do about it's procurement of carrier-borne fighters? Retain both types? Or exclude one for the other?
Keep in mind: The Su-33 is out of production, but it's not beyond reason to resume production, should the order be for 24 fighters or more. The MiG-29K is in production already, but MiG has a history of delivery and spare parts issues. On the other hand they need the contract, and it would help boost export sales considerably, while the Su-33 has very little export potential, and regular Flankers already enjoyed unrivaled (in Russian aerospace) export success.
Finally, the refitted Kuznetsov may only be the first step of a larger carrier program, which means the type(s) selected may see extended production runs for additional ships. A lot of money is at stake, both in the immediate, and in the long run.
The scenario is as follows: within the next 5 years the Russian AVMF is set to receive a number of MiG-29K newly built. Their delivery completion is rumored to coincide with the end of the Kuznetsov refit planned for 2017. The idea seems to be that they will be the new airwing for the Kuznetsov. However at the same time the surviving 19 Su-33 are undergoing refit and modernization right now, with the first ones completed only a few days ago at KnAAPO.
ÀÐÌÑ-ÒÀÑÑ
Íà÷àëèñü èñïûòàíèÿ ìîäåðíèçèðîâàííûõ Ñó-33 — ÎÐÓÆÈÅ ÐÎÑÑÈÈ, Êàòàëîã âîîðóæåíèÿ, âîåííîé è ñïåöèàëüíîé òåõíèêè
Presumably the upgrade package is similar to the SM upgrade for the Su-27S.
This indicates a desire to leave the type in service for a considerable period of time.
So: opinions. Barring a 5th gen. carrier based fighter, what should the AVMF do about it's procurement of carrier-borne fighters? Retain both types? Or exclude one for the other?
Keep in mind: The Su-33 is out of production, but it's not beyond reason to resume production, should the order be for 24 fighters or more. The MiG-29K is in production already, but MiG has a history of delivery and spare parts issues. On the other hand they need the contract, and it would help boost export sales considerably, while the Su-33 has very little export potential, and regular Flankers already enjoyed unrivaled (in Russian aerospace) export success.
Finally, the refitted Kuznetsov may only be the first step of a larger carrier program, which means the type(s) selected may see extended production runs for additional ships. A lot of money is at stake, both in the immediate, and in the long run.